Faulknor named Mississippi Humanities Teacher of the Year

March 13, 2025 – Sonya Faulknor, Assistant Professor of Music and Assistant Choir Director at Rust College, has been honored as the 2025 Humanities Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Humanities Council. This prestigious recognition celebrates her outstanding contributions to public engagement with the humanities, supported by funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

To commemorate this achievement, Faulknor delivered a captivating lecture recital titled “A Musical Exploration of Social and Cultural Change” before a packed audience February 28th. The performance highlighted her dedication to using music as a lens to explore societal transformation and cultural dialogue.

The Mississippi Humanities Council annually recognizes exemplary faculty members from higher education institutions across the state who bring the humanities to life for public audiences. Faulknor will formally receive her award during the Public Humanities Awards Gala on March 28 in Jackson, Mississippi.

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A native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Sonya Faulknor began her career as a professional artist, performing on national stages alongside notable ensembles and recording artists. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Alcorn State University and later completed her master’s degree in music performance and education at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Music at Rust College, Faulknor is an advocate for education and lifelong learning. She inspires her students to embrace agency, advocacy, and social change through music and the humanities. Beyond teaching, she shares her expertise through performances, masterclasses, and research presentations across the Caribbean, United States, and Europe.